Swimming Ban Stays At Gemini Springs

August 4, 2001

DEBARY -- Test data looked promising earlier this week for the re-opening of the Gemini Springs swimming area, but samples drawn a day later dashed any hopes of swimmers being allowed back anytime soon, according to results released Friday.

The swimming area -- which has been shut down sporadically since Aug. 31, 2000, because of potentially dangerous levels of enterococcus bacteria -- has been closed continuously since June 13 when the levels failed to remain below the state's required 61 parts per million for two consecutive days.

Since then, levels have ranged from acceptable one day to more than six times what is allowed on the next, according to Volusia County Health Department workers.

The bacteria -- which exists in the intestines of warm-blooded animals -- is found in all Florida waters but usually doesn't pose a health hazard. In higher levels, it can cause ear and skin infections and even diarrhea, if swallowed.

Samples taken from three locations Monday showed acceptable levels of 35, 20 and 12 parts per million. But, Tuesday's samples, which were released Friday, showed the same areas at 286, 261 and 137, said Eric Maday, a county environmental field engineer.